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If you would have asked me a year ago if I ran, I would have told you.”only if someone was chasing me.” Now a year later, I still would not consider myself a runner, but I do in fact run.
The thing about it is that I really hate running. It is something that I know that I have to do. Unlike my husband who likens running to going to church, I still do not get that “runner’s high”. What I do get is a sense of accomplishment. I get to set small goals for myself and reach them. The competitive part of me gets to compete with myself and sometimes I like kicking her ass.
I get to spend an hour or so with myself and my breath. Running alone with just me and my ipod. No children, no husband, no fighting, no drama, just me. Clear head, clear thoughts.
I don’t look like a runner. I am not graceful. I am chubby. I am not fast. But I am getting there.
I am a geek. I like gadgets. The Nike+iPod is the best thing that ever happened to me. Not only is it a gadget, but is gives me charts and graphs. The 6th grade math teacher in me loves a graph. But my favorite part, is when you plug your iPod in, you get to see your person run across the screen. It really is the little things in life. I love her. I love seeing my accomplishments and seeing the goals that I have set being reached.
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Isn’t she cute? Aren’t those lines pretty?
I will not lie to you, running can hurt. The first mile is always the hardest for me to get through. I feel like my legs are a hundred pounds and I feel like quitting. I remind myself that I have given birth without drugs and it was not that big of a deal. Running a few miles cannot be that bad. I can make it.
I am reading a book about women that run, mothers in particular. It is called Run Like a Mother. The title alone is worth the read. Whether you are a beginning runner like myself or a marathoner, it is a fun read. If you want to indoctrinate yourself into the world of running, pick this book up.
I am afraid to run outside. I stick to the treadmill and I know that I should get out into the great wide open. But it scares me.
I do not love running, but I love how I feel afterward. I am calmer, happier, and able to deal with my life better. My life is good, but sometimes, we all need an escape. These days mine is more treadmill and less icy cold beers… well, maybe just one.
Why do you run?
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Linda - I started running because of a stupid (though cute) yellow lab puppy. Then I realized that it was the time when no one was calling me mommy or touching me. I quit running during the summers here because I only run outside (no treadmill in the house and running in place is irritating) and it HOT and it’s NOT calming to run while the kiddos are biking. Nor is it calming to try to run with three kiddos, one who is faster than I and two who are irritated. Some people gain winter weight, I gain 5 lbs in summer. Two more weeks ’til school starts and I can feel less squishy again. Never thought I’d say it, but I miss running.
dimity - hey bree–thanks for mentioning run like a mother, and congrats on getting into the running thing. if you ever want to venture outside, I think you’ll be happily surprised by how refreshing it is. but the treadmill–and plenty of gadgets–are also a good route to go. many happy miles! xo–dimity
Linda - You totally crack me up and I totally relate. I, on the other hand prefer running in the great outdoors – can’t stand the treadmill but if I’m going to crack this half marathon soon (very dubious) I have no choice. Did 6.5 miles the other day and the combination of heat and dehydration left me sick as a dog for the whole evening. I now know better than to go running in the great outdoors when it’s 85+. The book sounds intriguing. The icy cold beer sounds more fun than a run!
Miss you
xx
Susan Coonan - I run for all of the reasons you mentioned: space, quiet, clarity. But like everything, it does take practice. The more you do the easier it gets IF you engage your mind in the challenge. Otherwise- BORING!
One tip is instead of watching the clock (btw I LOVE treadmills) kick it up a notch. It is amazing how the body will do it. Just do it for 2 minutes and then if you want to slow down, go down one notch, otherwise keep going for another 2 minutes. Easy and sneaky but very rewarding. My mantra for years was, ” I can ANYTHING” for 2 minutes.”
Good luck and if you still dislike running- the recumbent bike is FANTASTIC for fitness, ease, reading, watching TV and HUGE weight loss! I have one and do both during the week. Now, if I could only do the sit-ups!